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Citalopram Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Citalopram Sertraline Celexa
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Citalopram Sertraline Celexa (citalopram)
Prescription only

Citalopram may be used to treat depression and off-label to treat other conditions such as anxiety and OCD. Side effects such as insomnia, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, and increased sweating may... View more

Prescription only

Sertraline is an effective antidepressant with less potential for drowsiness than other antidepressants. Prescribed for Major Depressive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder... View more

Prescription only

Celexa is an effective antidepressant but it may cause more side effects than other SSRIs, such as escitalopram. 20 mg/day is the maximum recommended dosage for seniors older than 60 years, people... View more

More about Citalopram More about Sertraline More about Celexa (citalopram)
Generic Status

Lower-cost generic is available

Lower-cost generic is available

Lower-cost generic is available
Ratings & Reviews

Citalopram has an average rating of 7.5 out of 10 from a total of 2106 ratings on Drugs.com. 67% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 15% reported a negative effect.

Sertraline has an average rating of 7.2 out of 10 from a total of 3984 ratings on Drugs.com. 64% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 18% reported a negative effect.

Celexa has an average rating of 7.3 out of 10 from a total of 813 ratings on Drugs.com. 65% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 17% reported a negative effect.

View all 2106 reviews

View all 3984 reviews

View all 813 reviews

Drug Class
Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects include:

  • drowsiness
  • ejaculatory disorder
  • nausea
  • insomnia
  • diaphoresis

See also: citalopram side effects in more detail.

Commonly reported side effects include:

  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • dyspepsia
  • fatigue
  • insomnia
  • loose stools
  • nausea
  • tremor
  • headache
  • paresthesia
  • anorexia
  • decreased libido
  • delayed ejaculation
  • diaphoresis
  • ejaculation failure
  • xerostomia
  • show all 17

See also: sertraline side effects in more detail.

Common side effects include:

  • drowsiness
  • ejaculatory disorder
  • nausea
  • insomnia
  • diaphoresis

See also: Celexa side effects in more detail.
Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance
Quantity 100 each
Dosage 20 mg
Per Unit* $0.74
Cost* $73.93

View all citalopram prices

Quantity 100 each
Dosage 100 mg
Per Unit* $0.55 - $0.56
Cost* $54.65 - $56.06

View all sertraline prices

Quantity 100 tablet
Dosage 20 mg
Per Unit* $10.06
Cost* $1,005.74

View all Celexa prices and generic prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Oral capsule
  • Oral solution
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral capsule
  • Oral concentrate
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet
Brand Names
Celexa Zoloft

N/A
Half Life The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

35 hours

66 hours

35 hours
CSA Schedule ** View glossary of terms
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
Pregnancy Category
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
Drug Interactions

A total of 682 drugs are known to interact with citalopram:

  • 268 major drug interactions (945 brand and generic names)
  • 365 moderate drug interactions (1661 brand and generic names)
  • 49 minor drug interactions (145 brand and generic names)

A total of 639 drugs are known to interact with sertraline:

  • 150 major drug interactions (590 brand and generic names)
  • 483 moderate drug interactions (2003 brand and generic names)
  • 6 minor drug interactions (27 brand and generic names)

A total of 682 drugs are known to interact with Celexa:

  • 268 major drug interactions (945 brand and generic names)
  • 365 moderate drug interactions (1661 brand and generic names)
  • 49 minor drug interactions (145 brand and generic names)
Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of citalopram such as dizziness, drowsiness... View more
  • You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with sertraline. Alcohol can... View more
  • Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of citalopram such as dizziness, drowsiness... View more
Disease Interactions
First Approval Date

July 17, 1998

December 30, 1991

July 17, 1998
WADA Class View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

N/A
More Information
Patient resources
Professional Resources
Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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